Four autumn escapes beyond Sofia
Wine, spa days and mountain stays for a change of scene
We love the city and all its little secrets:
our favourite walk, that restaurant we always come back to. But sometimes we need a change, something new to look at. Autumn is a fine excuse to leave the city for the countryside. Naturally, we have a few favourites beyond Sofia, too. Places with lovely surroundings, creature comforts and
a little of the quiet that a busy week leaves you craving.
These four picks take you from wine tastings and spa afternoons to the comfort of a mountain hotel. Each gives you a good reason to head out of the capital this autumn.
Katarzyna Estate
Some places measure time in vintages, seasons and long evenings over a glass of wine. In 2026, Katarzyna Estate celebrates its 20th anniversary, while Katarzyna Hotel turns three. Near Mezek, in the foothills of the Eastern Rhodopes and close to Sakar, 550 hectares of vines begin a story that runs from the soil to the glass.
Continental and Mediterranean influences meet here in a distinctive microclimate,
shaping both the vines and the wines. The five-star hotel is a natural part of that story, turning a wine trip into a proper break from the city. Mornings looking out over the vineyards, afternoons by the pool, tastings, spa time and dinner at Encore, where seasonal ingredients meet the estate’s wines. Two anniversaries, one story and a very good excuse to put everyday life aside for a weekend.
Byalata Prast area, Svilengrad
+359 37 999 009
www.katarzyna.bg
Belchinski Izvor Spa Complex
For an autumn break with nature setting the pace, try Belchinski Izvor Spa Complex. Accommodation ranges from comfortable rooms and suites in the main hotel to an eco village of ten boutique houses and two luxury villas with their own thermal spa areas for a special occasion. The real draw is
a long soak in the mineral waters
and plenty of ways to take care of yourself afterwards. Galla Placidia Spa has indoor and outdoor mineral-water pools, Finnish, salt and aroma saunas, a steam room and a relaxation area with eight heated loungers. Treatments and massages are carried out by qualified specialists. Food is part of the stay, too: Izvorat restaurant serves selected Bulgarian and European dishes alongside a fine wine list.
Belchin village
+359 884 025 169
www.belchin-spring.com
A quiet wellness retreat in Belchin Bani, where mineral springs have a long history. Belchin Garden SPA & Wellness brings that heritage into a contemporary spa stay, with the past never very far from the present.
The idea is to bring people and nature into harmony,
with care taken over the details. The hotel draws its mineral-rich water from a thermal spring at 900 metres above sea level, where it emerges at 41°C. The relaxation area gives you space to unwind, with steam rooms, a Roman-style mineral bath and a range of spa and beauty treatments. There’s food and drink to make a proper occasion of the stay, too. Take a look at the hotel’s autumn packages and latest offers.
Belchin Bani, Samokov municipality
+359 877 200 315
www.belchin-garden.com
With views of the Rhodope and Pirin mountains, Hotel Leshten fits the brief for a quiet escape rather well. Traditional architecture and natural materials meet the modern comforts you want when the plan is simply to relax. Alongside comfortable rooms, there’s
an outdoor thermal pool kept warm all year round,
a panoramic hot tub, an indoor pool and hot tubs, plus plenty of other spa facilities. The kitchen favours local food with a clear provenance. Nearby Leshten farm and dairy supplies dairy products you can try in the restaurant.
Leshten village
+359 894 553 151
www.hotelleshten.com
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